One Obsession --Two Redemption

CRYSTAL

The plane touched down in New York City after long hours of being drifted in the sky, the city where I'd never thought of coming back to, a place that held a story I never wanted to tell. I inhaled deeply, clenching my fist slightly as the hurt from the past came rushing into my heart as if it happened yesterday,it was a wound that was still fresh and didn't want to heal.

Ella,my manager sat near me, sorting out some work on her tablet while I just let my thoughts wander, ‘Did I make the right decision ? Will everything go well? Will I ever be free in the city that held me in bonds from my childhood?’ I exhaled, letting the tightness in my chest release.

“It's time, ma'am,”Ella said, breaking my thoughts. I nodded, grabbing my Jacket, ‘I got this,’ I noted mentally as I stepped down from the plane.

We got into our ride and drove straight to the hotel where I would get ready for the Aether award.

A few weeks ago, I got an email that I had been nominated for the Best Artist award 2025. The Aether award is celebrated for honoring different kinds of art by the likes of digital art, paintings, drawings. They pick artists who had the best art for the year all around the world and give them an award of recognition

I blinked my eyes repeatedly in unbelief as I stared at the mail. “Will you just keep staring and not say anything?” She asked,meeting my eyes.

I stepped away from her and went back to my half painted canvas to continue work, “Seriously? Are you going to miss this?”Ella asked, dropping her hands by sides.

I let out a deep breath, “I didn't say anything about missing the award,Ella. I.. It's not that I didn't want to but…” I paused, dropping my paint brush on my palate. “The Award ceremony is taking place in London. You know how It feels to go back there,”I said,my brow furrowed with worry.

Ella closed the distance between us, “I understand you but you need to think about this, your artistry is getting recognition by the most popular and influential ceremony in the world. You can't let it pass you like this,you should go get what you deserve.” She encouraged me, sitting on the chair across the room.

“You know it's really hard to get nominated for the Big Aether Award, right?,”she said, dreamily.

‘She is actually right. I shouldn't let my past hold me back from getting the world wide recognition I deserve.’

“I guess you are thinking it over and while you do that I need you to put away that depressing look before I wipe it off your face,” she said, laughing, making the tension in the room disappear.

“Wow,wow, you seem to forget who the boss is here,Miss Clark,” I said, feigning a serious tone but my expression said otherwise.

“Yes Ma'am,” she replied amidst a